In the quest for Scottish independence, it's crucial to recognize that seeking support from Unionists is a futile endeavor. The Unionists have no incentive to aid the independence movement, and their actions, such as the House of Lords' potential move to restrict paths to independence outlined in the Scotland Act, speak volumes about their intentions.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the realization that the very power granted to Holyrood by the Scotland Act, which initially seemed restrictive, can now be leveraged to achieve independence through a de facto referendum. The SNP leadership, if they truly desired it, could demand this power, but they seem content with the status quo.
The Power of Elections
The Supreme Court's ruling in November 2022, which denied Holyrood the authority to organize an independence referendum, has inadvertently opened a new path. Section 3 of the Scotland Act, which allows Holyrood to call an election at will, provides an opportunity to pursue independence through the democratic process.
Personally, I think this is a brilliant strategy. By utilizing the election route, the SNP can not only gain global attention but also demonstrate a clear mandate for independence. This strategy has worked for 19 countries that gained independence against Westminster's wishes since 1945.
Westminster's Awareness and Resistance
Westminster is not blind to this potential route. Alister Jack, the former Scottish Secretary, is pushing for a revision of the Scotland Act to curb the Scottish Parliament's powers. This move aims to prevent the Scottish First Minister from using elections as a tool for independence, a strategy that has proven successful in the past.
What many people don't realize is that Westminster has no obligation to facilitate Scottish independence. They have ignored the issue thus far, and there have been no repercussions. This raises a deeper question: why would they change their strategy now?
The SNP's Mysterious Stance
The SNP leadership's reluctance to embrace this clear path to independence is baffling. Why tie Scotland's hands when a straightforward route is available? It's as if they are intentionally hindering progress.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between the SNP's public calls for Westminster to provide a path to independence and their private knowledge of the election strategy. This behavior, as Jonathon Shafi pointed out, is concerning for those who dream of Scottish independence becoming a reality.
In conclusion, while Unionists will never aid the independence movement, the power to achieve it lies within Scotland itself. The election route is a viable, democratic means to gain independence, and it's time for the SNP leadership to recognize and embrace this strategy.
